Evaluation

END OF MODULE EVALUATION:

I have learnt a great deal during this module, most noticeably the importance of taking a break and not letting myself get too stressed by the workload, which in turn improves my work quality. I have also learnt how to combine research and practical work effectively, and how one can inform the other to create a harmonious outcome.

The aspect that has been most enjoyable is how I have dived in with the practical work and experimented with different media quickly and without worrying if it looks perfect. I have also enjoyed indulging myself in exploring the wide, varying aspects of sustainable packaging to satiate my curiosities as I had enough time to not just focus on one specific strand.

The most successful outcome of my project would be the final applications, as I think they communicate my intention of strong design balanced with sustainability. Another aspect which has worked well is the documentation of my daily packaging waste, as I’m very proud that I have been able to create this collection, and it has also helped me cut down on the amount of packaging waste I create.

I did however struggle to commit daily to filling in the waste sketchbook, as I’m not a natural ‘drawer’ and so promising to spend time drawing everyday was difficult for me. However, it has really benefitted me, and I think I will carry on my waste sketchbook as a personal project, as I have enjoyed it so much. I also struggled creating professional mock-ups and presenting my work, but since I had been generous with the time I allowed myself, I was able to spend a little longer on these aspects until I was happy.

I will take so many things forward from this project, both in my personal life and creative practice. After realising how many changes are very simple and could have a huge impact I will make many changes to my daily life, such as only using re-usable cups, swapping to beeswax wrap instead of cling film, and choosing plastic free packaging. In my creative practice, I have been left with a strong manifesto for my future projects, which is ‘to always work with care, sensibility and purpose, striving towards creating a balance between beautiful and sustainable design’.

Past evaluations:

Design Boards

Final Essay

I've finally finished my extended essay to a standard which I'm really happy with, and have got it bound and ready to submit!

- I was so nervous to send it off the get bound, as I wanted to be sure the finished outcome reflected the effort I had put into it
- I'm really happy with how it's turned out, it's made me feel far more confident for the submission of my module now

Final Outcomes

Final Prints:

Catalogue of mock ups:

Selected Waste Sketchbook pages:

Packaging collection:

Presentation

Because I had a little extra time, I decided to make some folders for my submission, I'm really pleased with them, as I feel they tie my project together and creates a finished feel. I also tried to use bright colours, as I tend to use subdued colours for submission folders, and I wanted to highlight the colour in my project.

Waste Sketchbook

SELECT PAGES:

THOUGHTS:

- I've really enjoyed this project, as it's been invaluable to highlight how much packaging waste I'm creating

- I've actually changed my buying habits to reflect less packaging waste, and I feel really good when I have a day with less waste on it

- I feel so so proud when I have empty pages!!

- I will definitely carry this project on after submission, as it's been so important to helping me live a more sustainable life

Lists

I've found making tick lists really helpful during this project, as I am able to quickly identify the individual tasks I need to complete each week, and by using my planner, effectively manage my time to ensure I get it done.

It's also really satisfying to tick off the tasks as I go.

I will definitely use a mix of physical lists and timetables in the future to ensure I keep on top of my projects.

Final Crit

The session was fairly helpful today to highlight the key aspects of my project and what tweaks I need to make:

Practical feedback

Practical feedback

Practical feedback

Essay feedback

REFLECTIONS:
- Good relationship between essay and practical work
- Strong applications
- Try using more colour palettes
- Strong development
- I wish I had been able to get everything finished and polished off for this presentation, as I feel the work I laid out didn't quite reflect the quality I wanted

I've been thinking I should expand and experiment more with colour palettes, although I did research a lot for this project, I might try some projects which have outcomes which need certain colour palettes, and try working with less contrasting tones as well

Mockups

I've started making a few physical and digital mockups of applications for my final illustrations.
In place of printing onto the glass, I've used transparent stickers to get a similar effect.

POSITIVES:
- Good way to visualise how these would look printed onto glass
- Through using physical means, I've gained some more realistic looking mockup,
- The digital mockups have allowed me to propose collaborations with other companies

NEGATIVES:
- Colours have come out quite a bit darker than intended
- The digital mockups look fairly 'fake'

WHAT NEXT:
- Create more fabric mockups
- Photograph other ranges

Label making

I decided to create some additional applications through creating little labels which can be used to incentivise people to reuse old glass jars as storage containers by making them look attractive through the application of stickers.

I quite like how they've turned out, and I feel this is a good midpoint between design and sustainability, as the attractiveness of the design may encourage people to save money and reuse resources simply for the look.